Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #68710 in Books
• Published on: 1994-07
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

From Library Journal
As a guide for dreamers as well as those who are "ready-to-build," this concise yet detailed overview of the construction of a large out-building will serve both beginning and experienced builders. From simple enclosures for storage to workshop space to fully finished living space, Wagner covers all the bases. His book, while short on design suggestions, is chock full of practical solutions to common site and building problems. Wagner writes in an upbeat, problem-solving tone that is encouraging to those who might otherwise be skeptical of the entire process. His suggestions are consistently economical and environmentally friendly. Excellent illustrations supplement the text. For large home improvement collections.
Alex Hartmann, INFOPHILE, Williamsport, Pa.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Here's a misnamed book. It's not really about building a barn; instead, it's How to Build a House 101. The differences between building a barn as Wagner describes it and building a house aren't all that great. A wise reader will pick up on this, and someone with a yen to build their own abode could easily use the book as a primer. On a more modest note, you could probably substitute garage or storage shed for barn in the title and still have an excellent book. Wagner covers all the basics--laying out the foundation, creating the walls and roof, adding basic electricity and plumbing, and the other exciting stuff you wind up undertaking in such a project. The illustrations are well thought out and executed, and the worksheets (encourage patrons to photocopy these and leave the book intact) that allow you to budget the cost of construction are excellent. If you're intending to build a structure 24 feet by 30 feet and use it for storage, you could, following Wagner's advice, create something that will still be standing 50 years hence. Jon Kartman

Customer Reviews

Good on building, lacking on electric.
While the sections on planning and construction are quite helpful, I was disappointed in the section on electricity. A barn is considered an outbuilding, and local electrical codes may be different for residences and outbuildings. Barns are often used to house livestock or poultry, but the book does not address the different requirements for farm wiring.

Residential wiring usually requires NM (non-metallic) cable, but in a building may be subjected to high moisture like that in a livestock barn, NMC or UF (Underground Feed) wiring is required. In addition, the boxes for outlets and fixtures must usually be sealed against moisture and dust.

Author John Wagner does say that it is important to work with the local electrical inspector and know the local code requirments as they vary greatly.

building ,audio,studio from, scraching
References to buil an audio studio in the simplest fom me by home archetitural process.

practical barn building
A useful book on the various practical aspects of building a simple (or not so simple) barn. Useful to a do-it-yourselfer, or as a reference to someone using contractors. Recommended.